Coumadin
(WARFARIN)
Information
IMPORTANT
NOTE: THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION IS INTENDED TO SUPPLEMENT, NOT SUBSTITUTE
FOR, THE EXPERTISE AND JUDGMENT OF YOUR PHYSICIAN, PHARMACIST OR OTHER
HEALTHCARE PROFESSIONAL. IT SHOULD NOT BE CONSTRUED TO INDICATE THAT
USE OF THE DRUG IS SAFE, APPROPRIATE, OR EFFECTIVE FOR YOU. CONSULT
YOUR HEALTHCARE
PROFESSIONAL BEFORE USING THIS DRUG.
Coumadin
(WARFARIN) 10MG DIN: 01918362 Coumadin (WARFARIN) - ORAL
USES:
This medication is a blood thinner used to keep blood flowing smoothly
and prevent the formation of blood clots.
HOW
TO USE: Take this exactly as prescribed. Try to take this medication
at the same time each day so you remember to take it.
Your dose may be adjusted several times based on lab tests. Do not stop
taking this without your doctor's approval.
SIDE
EFFECTS: Loss of appetite, nausea, diarrhea or blurred vision may
occur at first as your body adjusts to the medication.
Inform your doctor if you experience: unusual bleeding or bruising,
blood in the urine, black stools, severe headache.
In the unlikely event you have an allergic reaction to this drug, seek
medical attention immediately. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include:
rash, itching, swelling, dizziness, trouble breathing.
If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or
pharmacist.
PRECAUTIONS:
Before using this drug tell your doctor your medical history especially
of: ulcers, unusual menstrual periods, diabetes, liver or kidney disease,
high blood pressure, arthritis, thyroid problems, all recent infections,
recent surgery, drug and food allergies.
The FDA has stated that certain generic warfarin products are interchangeable.
However, consult your doctor and pharmacist before switching warfarin
products.
Do not stop taking any medications that you are currently taking unless
directed to do so by your doctor.
If you have an illness that causes vomiting, diarrhea, or fever for
more than a few days, contact your doctor as these problems can change
the effect of this drug.
Limit your consumption of alcoholic beverages. Ask your doctor how much,
if any, alcohol you may consume.
When receiving Coumadin (WARFARIN), avoid sudden changes in dietary
habits. Avoid ingesting unusual increases or decreases of foods high
in Vitamin K (liver, broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, kale, spinach and
other green leafy vegetables, green tea, certain vegetables, cheeses
and certain vitamin supplements). It is best to avoid strictly vegetarian
diets that consist of foods high in vitamin K.
While taking this medication, be extra careful to avoid injuries. This
medication can cause heavy bleeding. Use an electric razor and be careful
brushing your teeth.
Caution is advised when using this drug in the elderly because they
may be more sensitive to the effects of the drug.
Coumadin (WARFARIN) should not be used during pregnancy. If you become
pregnant or think you may be pregnant, inform your doctor immediately.
This drug is excreted into breast milk. While to date, no problems have
been noted in nursing infants, consult your doctor before you breast-feed.
DRUG
INTERACTIONS: Many drugs interact with this medication. Before using
this drug tell your doctor of all prescription and nonprescription drugs
you may use especially any of the following:
aspirin or aspirin-like drugs, anabolic steroids, barbiturates, clofibrate,
phenylbutazone, disulfiram, cimetidine, sulfa-drugs, metronidazole,
vitamin E, cholestyramine, phenytoin, erythromycin-like antibiotics,
propylthiouracil, injectable antibiotics, griseofulvin, ethchlorvynol,
quinidine, quinine, thyroid drugs, allopurinol, glucagon, rifamycins,
glutethimide, aminoglutethimide, chloramphenicol, carbamazepine, vitamin
K (or its derivatives), dextrothyroxine, anti-inflammatory medication
used for arthritis or fever reduction, penicillin-type drugs, amiodarone,
omeprazole, sulfinpyrazone, chloral hydrate, "statin" drugs
(e.g., lovastatin), propranolol, tamoxifen, quinolone antibiotics (e.g.,
ciprofloxacin), SSRI antidepressants (e.g., fluoxetine), gemfibrozil,
azole antifungals (e.g., fluconazole, miconazole, including vaginal
dose forms), birth control pills.
It is important that all doctors and dentists treating you know you
take Coumadin (WARFARIN). Do not start or stop any medicine without
doctor or pharmacist approval.
OVERDOSE:
If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center
or emergency room immediately. Symptoms of overdose may include bleeding,
fast heartbeat, nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, diarrhea, and discoloration
of urine or stools.
NOTES:
Do not share this medication with others.
MISSED
DOSE: If you miss a dose, take as soon as remembered; do not take
if it is almost time for the next dose, instead, skip the missed dose
and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not "double-up"
the dose to catch up. Keep a record of missed doses to give to your
doctor. Call your doctor if you miss 2 or more doses.
STORAGE:
Store at room temperature between 59 and 86 degrees F (between 15 and
30 degrees C) away from moisture and sunlight. Do not store in the bathroom.
